FAQs

The University of Leicester is embarking on the most significant fundraising campaign since its founding. The focus: enabling our next 100 years. It will be fully comprehensive, facilitating a broad range of transformative projects across the University to greatly enhance our impact on society and firmly drive a second century of change. 

It will mobilise a transformative roster of funding opportunities, from crucial capital projects and world-leading research to life-changing student scholarships and important Professorial Chairs in unexplored fields of enquiry. Today’s supporters will be the ‘founders of the future’ - laying the critical foundations of the University’s next century and carving pioneering new paths for society. 

Our people, planet, health and culture are inextricably linked, and the projects identified within these pillars will often intersect by design – crossing over and working together to achieve the institution’s long-term goals and ambitions. Supporting a vibrant, diverse and inclusive culture helps to create a healthier society for all people – a healthier planet and a healthier population.  

This is an important time, not only in the University of Leicester’s story, but in all our futures.

The University of Leicester’s primary mission has been consistent since it opened its doors in 1921. We exist to make the world a better place to live for everyone.  

Realised through philanthropy (previously the University’s only large-scale, comprehensive fundraising campaign), it was seed funded by a then principal gift of £100 by local physician, Dr Astley Clarke - inspiring countless others to follow suit as the institution’s founders.  

One hundred years later, the University has amassed an impressive portfolio of ground-breaking achievements through its teaching and research. As our Centenary celebrations in 2021 attested, Leicester has firmly cemented its reputation as a UK university with world-leading credentials in a number of key areas. Leicester is now venturing into its second century with bold ambition and a human-centred strategy at its heart.  

Embarking on a campaign this ambitious illustrates the full commitment the University of Leicester has towards not only continuing, but enhancing its founding mission to make the world a better place through education and research; arguably more vital for its second century than during its first. 

There are many ways to give, from giving online to including us in your estate planning.  

To discuss how you would like to tailor your support please contact the philanthropy team at philanthropy@le.ac.uk. Your Philanthropy Manager will help to match giving opportunities to your values, ensuring your generosity is directed to make an impact aligned to your area of interest. 

Your gift goes to the college, school, unit, programme or other cause that you specify. 100% of the funds you donate are directed to the area of support you prefer. You can choose to give to a general purpose — like the University of Leicester Greatest Need fund— or to a specific project or programme that is close to your heart. Every gift makes a difference. 

The University of Leicester delivers world-class discovery and innovation because of the generous support we receive from our donors. University fees support basic university operations, but it’s your support that drives excellence, enhances experience and helps deliver life-changing impact. Every pound of your gift goes to the purpose you specify and supports the students, faculty and researchers who change the world. 

Across the globe our alumni, staff, students and friends give their time and talent through our volunteering scheme. Find out how your skills and expertise can make a difference to the lives of the next generation of Leicester graduates.